Extreme cold partially freezes Kashmir's famous Dal Lake

Locals were seen walking on the lake, while others warmed their hands using traditional fire pots known as 'Kangri'.

"Due to the continuous fall in the temperature, the Dal Lake is freezing partially. It is difficult to row my shikara (gondola-like boat) on it and commute from home. I have to break the ice over the lake and make a path to move my boat. Children are playing cricket on the ice," said Tariq Ahmad, a local boatman.

Locals are eagerly waiting for the snowfall, as the extending dry period results in cold-related diseases among children and the elderly, and also means a tough season ahead for agriculture and horticulture sectors.

M. S. Wani, the in-charge of the state's meteorological department, predicts the lake would completely freeze in another couple of days.

"We know that the lake has good amount of water and the area where water and ice can be seen together, the temperature would always be negative, which increases the chances of freezing of the lake.

Right now, Dal is not completely frozen. This kind of situation would arise when the temperature will become maximum negative, within two to four days, when the temperature would be minimum, then the possibility for the solidification of the lake is more," said Wani.

The mercury in most part of the Kashmir Valley region has touched sub-zero temperatures. (ANI)